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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



B UNCH OF FL O WERS 



1 




KATHLEEN DONLEAVY. 




B O vS? T O N 

ANGEL GUARDIAN VUKSS 



Copyright 1904 

By 

Kathleen DonLeavy. 



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LIBR*.RV of CONGRESS 
TWO Cooles Received 

JUL 29 1904 
(, Gooyrlrht Entrv 

bLASS ^ XXo. No. 

' copy'b 






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Angel Guardian Press 

92-100 RUGGLES St., 

Boston. 



INTRODUCTION 



MISS KATHLEEN DONLEAVY, 
Litterateur, Poet and Editor. 



"You feel the touch of a larger and blessed life in 

its pages." i • 

What The Boston Herald says so truly of Don- 
ahoe's Magazine, may be said just as truly, although 
more modestly, of The Catholic Friend, Virginia's 
Diocesan paper, an ideal Home Journal, edited by 
Miss Kathleen DonLeavy, of Richmond, Virginia. 

The eminent fitness of the young lady for the edi- 
torial chair will be apparent from a brief sketch of 
her life, character, tastes and work. Miss 
DonLeavy was born in New York City, of Irish parent- 
age. Her father, Francis DonLeavy, was one of 
the well-known family of DonLeavy s of Sligo, Ire- 
land, and her mother was Miss Annie Mullen, of the 
same place. 

Her father died when she was a baby, and her 
mother then went to Richmond, Virginia, to hve, 
where she had a brother residing. 

Kathleen has always regarded Richmond as her 
home, loving '^Old Virginia" with all her heart as 
those "to the manner born." 

Here, she received her education, attending the 
St. Joseph's Academy, from which she graduated 
with distinction in her eighteenth year. 

At school, the little girl won the hearts of all her 
teachers by her arilessness, gentleness, kindly dis- 
position, ardent love for study, and her reverence 
for the dear Sisters of Charity, who are now her most 
cherished friends and advisers. 



Taking kindly to study from the start, Kathleen 
soon evinced her literary talent, and though full of 
sentiment, she used discernment in all she read, never 
allowing herself to read any but the best authors. 

After leaving school, the young lady wrote exten- 
sively for a number of years, contributing to various 
CathoHc Journals, as well as the secular press of 
Richmond. 

Her imaginative powers developing by writing on 
a variety of topics, gradually brought her in touch 
with the Muses, and she turned her hand to weaving 
the pretty tapestry of poetry. The sweet simplicity 
of Longfellow and his tact for idealizing the common- 
place things of life, combined with Proctor's beau- 
tiful spirit of faith, characterize the poetic effusions 
of Miss DonLeavy. 

The key-note of them all is some beautiful truth 
or some consoHng mystery of our Holy Religion glim- 
mering like a precious gem in a handsome setting. 

Her strong love for the beautiful, the good and true, 
and her desire to impart to others the golden treasure 
of good literature, emboldened her to embark on the 
sea of Journahsm, launching a httle craft of her own 
— The Catholic Frie?id. 

It was a bold venture, but there was a brave heart, 
and a noble one, at the helm. Like Columbus, put- 
ting all her trust in God, and taking for her motto, 
His words — ''Thy Kingdom Come" — which graced 
the title-page, this "valiant woman" braved the perils 
of the Deep, and after a sharp, short struggle with the 
adverse wind of the difficulties which generally beset 
every young enterprise. The Catholic Friend came out 
of the storm with flying colors, winning the Episco- 
pal Blessing, and making friends everywhere. This 
vigorous young journal, instructive, interesting, and 
entertaining, its staff of contributors comprising some 
of the best writers of the day, is now welcomed into 
the Catholic homes of Virginia, and many elsewhere, 
as well as some non-Catholic ones, as a sunbeam in 



the house, cheering, bright and genial to old and 
young ahke. 

As those who instruct others to justice, shall shine 
as stars for all eternity, surely, the accomplished and 
zealous young editor of Virginia's Catholic Friend, 
deserves to rank as a rising star in the bright galaxy 
of American Catholic Journalists. 

Rev. W. Gaston Payne, 
Missionary Priest for Virginia. 
October, 1898. 

In The Weekly Bouquet. 



[From Kentucky Irish American.] 
Louisville, July, 1903. 

Miss Kathleen DonLeavy is one of the young 
Irish American poets, novelists, essayists, and writers 
on general topics, who has won fame in the literary 
world, and her name is seen almost ev^ery time the 
reader takes up a Cathohc journal or magazine. 

That she is a writer of renown, no one can doubt. 
Her ardent love for the beautiful, good and true is 
ever apparent in all that comes from her prolific pen, 
be it prose or poetry. 

A few years ago. Miss DonLeav}^ embarked on a 
bold venture — the estabhshment of a Cathohc jour- 
nal at Richmond, Virginia, her home, known as The 
Catholic Friend. From the start, it made its mark 
as a hterary gem, receiving the highest encomiums 
of the secular and Cathohc press. But after nearly 
five years of hard work in the arduous role of the Cath- 
ohc editor, her health broke down, and, unfortunately, 
her bright paper is no more. 

Little more than two years ago, she came to Louis- 
ville with her mother, where they have since resided 



with relatives, and she has made many friends here. 

She is devoting her Hfe to the noble cause so dear 
to her heart, notwithstanding adversity, which in- 
stead of souring her, has added to the native sweet- 
ness of her disposition; and she is doing much good, 
as her pen is always at the command of Catholic editors. 

Personally, Miss DonLeavy has an extraordinary 
high sense of honor, greatest kindness of heart and 
gentleness of manner. She is noted for her beautiful 
devotion to her mother and unswerving loyalty to 
her many friends. 

William M. Higgins, 

Editor. 



[From The Record — Louisville.] 
October, 1903. 

_ The gifted writer, Miss Kathleen DonLeavy of 
Louisville, formerly connected with the Catholic press 
at Richmond, Virginia, was honored this week with 
the Apostolic Blessing of His Holiness Pope Pius X. 
accompanied by a large and handsome photograph 
of himself. His Holiness also sent his blessing to 
her relatives within the third degree. 

The happy recipient of this well-merited blessing 
is a frequent contributor to our columns. In this 
issue of The Record^ we publish an interesting paper 
from her pen. 

Very Rev. Louis G. Deppen, 

Editor, 



[From The Record — Louisville.] 
March, 1904. 

The well-known writer, Miss Kathleen DonLeavy, 
of this city, who prior to her residence here, was the 
editor and publisher of The Catholic Friend, a paper 



devoted to the interests of the Sacred Heart of JesUS, 
at Richmond, Virginia, rejoices this week, in another 
honor and blessing bestowed upon her by His Holi- 
ness, Pope Pius X., accompanied by two lovely steel 
engravings of the Immaculate Conception. From 
his private secretary and chaplain, Monsignor Bressan, 
she has just received the following note. 

Vatican, March 3, 1904. 
Dear Miss Kathleen: — 

Monsignor Giovanni Bressan, Capellano Segreto 
di Sua Santita, has the pleasure to tell you that His 
Holiness, the Pope, thanking for your sweet poetic 
homage to the Immaculate Conception, sends you 
His Apostolic Blessing. 

Very Rev. Louis G. Deppen, 

Editor. 



PREFACE 



In offering this unpretentious little volume to the 
reading world, we do not claim for it anything of art, 
but only naturahsm, as its name imphes — the beauty 
of simplicity and sincerity mth the sweetness of love. 
It is only a httle messenger — from the heart to the 
heart. 

The random thoughts rambled their way into verse 
without any intention of becoming a book, but the 
urgent request of many friends is an encouragement 
cordially appreciated, and a kindly guarantee of a 
happy welcome for it. 

Its mission is to give substantial expression to our 
life's highest ideal — the beautiful, the good and the 
true — and its proceeds will cheerfully befriend good 
literature, which, like our Divine Master — the only 
real embodiment of the beautiful, good and true — is 
so sadly depreciated in this, our wondrous age of 
boasted ''progress." It, therefore, appeals to your 
kind consideration, not on its merits, nor for us per- 
sonally, but for the noble cause we have espoused — 
Good Literature. 

With feelings of peculiar gratification, we look back 
on our labor of love inspired by zeal for God's honor 
and glory, and this little book is an additional flower 
in the garland of that sweet memory; while for our 
friends, it must hav^e that special interest which ac- 
companies works done by those we have long known 
and tenderly loved. 

In launching "A Bunch of Flowers," we cordially 
clasp the gentle hand of every kind reader of it, smil- 
ing our grateful appreciation, and we earnestly pray 
that your lives may ever bear the brightness of sun- 
shine, wdth all the beauty and sweetness of flowers — 
God bless you! 

The Author. 



To 

Our King, Our Father, Our Beloved, 
HIS HOLINESS, POPE PIUS X. 

We reverently and gratefully dedicate this little vol- 
ume, believing that '*A Bunch of Flowers" — tribute 
to the Immaculate Conception, for its Golden Jub- 
ilee — from one of his children, is far more precious 
to him, than rarest gems from others. 



The mind is a garden fair, 
Producing flowers of thought. 

Their fragrance and beauty rare, 
By the Heart's sun wrought. 



CONTENTS 



Page. 

A Bunch of Flowers i 

Words 2 

Our Supreme Friend, {Illustrated.) . . 3 

Heart Music 4 

My First Love. 5 

Gratitude. 6 

Autumn Leaves. ..... 7 

The Violet 8 

The Immaculate Conception, {Illustrated) 9 

A Friend. ...... 10 

My Rosary ii 

June 12 

Coronation Song, {Illustrated.) . . 13 
The Annunciation. . . . .14 

Anniversary Ode 15 

May. 16 

Holy Communion, {Illustrated.) . . - 17 

Au Revoir October! 18 

Waiting 19 

"Home, Sweet Home!" .... 20 
The Jubilee Year. . . . .21 

Constancy. 22 

Childhood Days. . . . . - 23 

Easter . .24 

The Assumption. . . . . - 25 

June's Farewell 26 

Mother. ....... 27 

I Love You 28 

The Holly Wreath 29 

Good Bye! 30 

Faith. . . . . . . - 31 

Salnt Joseph, {Illustrated.) . . . - 32 

Sweetest Roses. 33 

I'll Never Forget You .... 34 

Christmas. 35 

Forgive and Forget. . . . - 36 



Page. 



The Awakening. 

My Rose. 

The Evening Star. . 

Kindness. 

My Confessor. . 

Stranded. . 

The Easter Lily. 

Love. 

The Vanquished. 

His Holiness is Dying. 

Star of Bethlehem. . 

Our Rosary Queen. . 

Speak Kindly. . 

Sacred Heart Lily. . 

Do They Miss ME'r' . 

Rescued. . 

Our Dead. 

Summer. 

Hope's Star. 

Our Lady's Birthday. 

Home is Where Mother Is 

Confidence. 

Be Kind. 

Alfonso. 

My Queen of May. 

The Holy Name. 

''Home Again." . 

Innocence. 

Sorrow. 

November. 

Alone. 

Forget Me Not. 

Separation. 

Gethsemane. 

Happiness. 

Forgive Me. 

Sacrificed. 

"Sweet." . 



The Hero. 

Lost 

In Memoriam. — Dr. H, D. 

Divine Sweetness. 

Thanksgiving Day. . 

If You Love Me. 

Truth. 

A Whispered Thought. 

Adversity. . 

One Fa^hliar Face. 

In Memoriam. — M. R. K. 

Remember Me. 

Aspiration. . 

June Roses. 

Appreciation. 

L 'Envoi. 



Page. 

75 
76 

77 
78 
79 
80 
81 
82 

33 
84 

85 
86 

87 
88 

89 
90 



A BUNCH OF FLOWERS. 

Flowers! Flowers! Bright and fair! 

Blooming in the gardens of earth, 
So simple, yet far beyond compare, 

With art- work of richest worth. 

Emblems of love sweet and pure. 
Type of the beautiful, good and true. 

Your charms shall ever endure, 
Holding all hearts captive to you. 

This little volume, simple in name, — 
Bouquet culled from mental bowers — 

Seeks not fading laurels of fame, 

'Tis Love's gift — A Bunch of Flowers. 



WORDS. 

Tiny things of wondrous might, 
Are the words we daily say; 

They may either bless or bhght, 
As for aye they speed away. 

Harsh words, like keenest blade, 
Stab us thro' and thro' the heart, 

Kill the joys that hfe has made. 
And all the gloom of death impart. 

But kindly words — music grand, 
Thrill the soul as Love's sweet kiss; 

They touch the heart with angel hand, 
And fill our life with heaven's bliss. 



OUR SUPREME FRIEND. 

Of all the charms earth can bestow, 
Or gracious Heaven kindly lend, 

There is naught we can ever know 
Like the heart-clasp of a friend. 

Sweeter than fragrance of flowers, 
Richer than gold or precious stone, 

Is the heart that throbs with ours 
In true affection all our own. 

If sorrow our heart would rend — 
Heavy clouds darkening our way. 

The sweet smile of a faithful friend 
Gilds with heaven's golden ray. 

When the sky is blue and all is fair 
In the radiance of joy's sunshine, 

With no cherished friend to share, 
We feel not the thrill of Love Divine. 

We have a Friend Incomparable — above 
All others — sweet and true to the end; 

The loftiest ideal of human love — 

O Sacred Heart! Our Supreme Friend! 



HEART MUSIC. 

Sweet is fragrance of flowers, 
The song of the murmuring rill, 

SunHght gilding morning hours, 
And the moonHght o'er the hill. 

Sweeter than sun and moon above, 
Purling brook and fragrant flowers, 

Are eyes that look on us with love. 
And smiles that answer ours. 

Sweet is the minstrelsy of birds. 
Warbling their merry lays of cheer, 

But sweetest of all are tender words, 
Heart Music — sympathy sincere. 



MY FIRST LOVE. 

In sweet childhood's halcyon days, 
It brightened my lonely hours, 

Like the great sun's bright rays, 
Playing among the little flowers. 

And in the sunny days of youth, 
Its happy, smiling, genial face — 

Full of beauty, goodness and truth — 
Won me with its winsome grace. 

It held me — heart, soul and mind, 
With a love so deep and strong. 

That in naught else could I find 
Love's echo — "grand, sweet song." 

The charming ideal with fond caress, 
Holds me fast in happiness secure. 

And to my heart, Time will closer press 
My First Love — Good Literature. 



GRATITUDE. 

Sweeter than roses perfuming the a^. 

With the fragrance they ever exude, 
Brighter than HHes chaste and fair — 

The soul's noblest trait — Gratitude. 

Deeper than friendship tried and true, 
Stronger than love with all its power, 

Gratitude wins with charms ever new. 
And gives to the heart its richest dower. 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 

Summer is dead — the rich, green sea 
Of earth has changed its verdant hue, 

And gloomy would the dull scene be, 
But for the Autumn Leaves in view. 

The carol of the birds is stilled, 
The stately forest trees are bare. 

The sky is gray, the air is chilled, 
And Autumn Leaves are everywhere. 

O gorgeous leaves, all gold and red, 
That scattered lie upon the ground, 

You sadly tell us Summer is dead, 
Yet make her beauty more renowned! 

We cull the leaves ere Winter's cold 
Shall rudely sweep them all away. 

And keep them safe — the crimson-gold, 
As trophies of fair Summer's sway. 

When life is done — our Summer dead. 
The silent tomb our form receives; 

May noble deeds of heart and head, 
Our memory strew as Autumn Leaves. 



THE VIOLET. 

There is a radiant small flower, 
Reflecting heaven's blue, 

The least of all in Flora's bower. 
Deep hiding from our view. 

It blossoms in the valley green, 
Away from flowers more rare. 

Wafting with blush unseen, 
Its sweetness on the air. 

Bathed in the morn's crystal dew 
It gladdens as do angels' eyes, 

Revealing in its every hue, 
The beauty of the skies. 



^ 



THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. 

Into fair Earth's garden so great, 
Came a flower of loveliness most rare, 

When the sweet Babe, Mary Immaculate, 
''Lily amid thorns," blossomed there. 

Purer than the chaste, drifting snow. 
Brighter than sun and stars above, 

Greatest of all God's works below, 
Sweeter than the smile of love. 

In peerless beauty blooming alone, 
Spotless Lily with golden heart. 

All womanhood thou dost adorn. 
And to heaven sweet charms impart. 

O Mary, conceived without stain of sin, 
Virgin Immaculate, my Mother be; 

Guide me that I may heaven win. 
Hearken, Sweet Lady, to my plea! 



A FRIEND. 

How sacred is that dear little word, 
It stirs the heart and thrills it through, 

Like to that other name sweet heard 
First in Hfe — ''Mother" — good and true. 

A jewel past all earthly price, 

A boon to men, the richest, fairest, 

It makes this world a paradise 
To have a friend — treasure rarest. 

One holding to us heart to heart, 
And hand in hand down to the end, 

Our own soul's very counterpart, 

God's golden band of bands — A Friend. 



JO 



MY ROSARY. 

My rosary — a tiny silver chain, 
Linking shining beads empearled, 

A cross with image of Love slain — 
Saint Dominic's gift to the world. 

"Credo"— the crucifix and lip, 
Join in sweetest pledge of love, 

Paters, Aves and Glorias slip 

Thro' fingers reverently raised above 

Ave Maria! Virgin most mild! 

Mother of God and Mother mine, 
The Child of Mary and Mary's Child, 

Meet in the rosary — O Love Divine! 

Regina Ave! The beads complete — 
My companion dear night and day — 

A "crown of roses" bright and sweet, 
At my Queen -Mother's feet I lay. 



L.ofC. 



II 



JUNE. 

How lovely is the blue sky above 1 
What fragrance the roses impart! 

Heaven gives Earth the kiss of love 

In this, the month of the Sacred Heart. 

The cloudless sky, serene and bright. 
Reflects the smile from Jesus' Face, 

And the roses echo ''My dehght 

To hold you in my Heart's embrace." 

Month of sunshine, birds and flowers, 
Types of love, our richest boon. 

To thy dear charms, let us add ours — 
Pure hearts, the sweetest gifts of June. 



12 




HIS HOLINESS POPE PIUS X 



CORONATION SONG. 
To His Holiness, Pope Pius X. 

Te Deum! Bells are softly ringing, 
Flowers waft it in fragrance above, 

The sun shines it, birds are singing 
It, and hearts throb it in beats of love. 

Ring! Ring! Chiming joy-bells, ring! 

Sing! Sing! Merry birds your glee! 
Our Holy Father is here — our King 

Now lives — his heavenly face see! 

Be glad, all hearts, be glad — rejoice! 

No longer in sorrow's gloom grope, 
His Hohness, Pius Tenth — Heaven's choice 

Is our King and Father — our Pope. 

To-day with holy memories replete. 
Crown him with glory's hale here; 

We all the joyous festival greet. 
And pledge allegiance sincere. 



13 



THE ANNUNCIATION. 

Ave Maria! The heavens relate 

The ravishing beauty of thy lovely face, 

Thy virginal purity immaculate, 

Resounded in Gabriel's "full of grace." 

Ave Maria! Earth's voices pulsate, 

Singing the sweetness of thy kind heart 

Thy virginal purity immaculate, 
Loveliness offers without counterpart. 

Shine o'er us bright "Star of the Sea," 
Beacon of safety to mariners here 

Thy virginal purity reflect in me, 

Fairest of Queens! Mother most dear 



14 



ANNIVERSARY ODE 

To His Holiness Pope Pius X. 

Hail Sovereign Pontiff! Father Dear! 

Your coronation — anniversary sweet, 
We, with congratulations sincere, 

Greet, all prostrate at your feet. 

Happy indeed was Heaven's fair choice 
Of His Holiness Pius Tenth — our hope 

For the highest glory — Dear Lord, rejoice! 
Thine own Sweet Heart has our Pope. 

One year of your Pontificate blest! 

Rich in the wealth of Virtue's gold. 
The ideal Good Shepherd impressed 

In love on the World's heart — your fold. 

May the Sacred Heart, our only Rest, 
The Sweet Love we hold most dear, 

Ever press you closer to His Breast, 
And grant us your Diamond Year. 



n 



MAY. 

A touch of rare beauty is everywhere, 
Chasing all gloomy fears away, 

And a subtle charm is in the air — 
'Tis Month of Our Lady, sweet May! 

Heaven's sunshine seems brighter, 
Our flowers were never so sweet, 

Birds are merrier, hearts are lighter — 
'Tis May, Our Lady's month, we greet. 

All Nature with splendor is aglow. 
Precious because it lasts but awhile. 

Heaven and earth combine to show 
In May, Our Lady's sweet smile. 



i6 



HOLY COMMUNION. 

Sweet Jesus! My God! My All! Glad 
Am I to house Thee in heart of mine 

Near Thee, I never shall be sad, 
For Thou art mine and I am Thine. 

I love Thee, Jesus, dearest and best. 
Thou art my first love and my last 

No other love shall a moment rest ' 
Between us Lord— O hold me fast! 

Leave me not, Lord, night nor day, 
Be ever near me, where'er I roam 

Let not Thy child from Thee e'er stray — 
Dear Jesus! Make my heart Thy home! 

When life is spent-my work all done, 
And I from dear ones must part 

May sweet Communions here beglin 
Fmd me a home in Thy dear Heart 



17 



AU REVOIR OCTOBER. 

October's beautiful last golden day 
Has come — the hours are fleeting fast, 

The bright moments swiftly glide away- 
'Twill soon be a memory of the past. 

Yes, the Month of the Rosary blest, 
Will soon be gone — its azure sky 

Has faded — the sun sinks in the West, 
And all is dark — alasl good-bye! 

Au revoir October! — not good-bye! 

Your beauty, I never can forget, 
For "love will live — love cannot die," 

Dear Month of the Rosary! — I regret! 



i8 



WAITING. 

Have you ever been waiting long 
For the coming of some one dear, 

The music of hope's sweet song 
Blending with the throes of fear? 

Have you been waiting for the face 
Bright with love-lit smile, the kiss, 

The close, heart to heart embrace, 
Suspense minghng with hope's bliss? 

One Sweet Heart is ever waiting 
For the coming of some one dear, 

With tenderest love pulsating, 
He pleads, "My child, come here!" 

To your Hfe His love will impart 
The sweetest joy you ever knew; 

On our altars, the Sacred Heart 
Is waiting — waiting for you. 



J9 



''HOME, SWEET HOME!" 

There is a charm around the place 

Called home that no other knows; 
It has a fragrance and wears a grace 
|; AUI^its own like the peerless rose. 

The sound of its name is music grand, 
Thrilling Kke the melody of love. 

The sanctuary of hearts in every land — 
Type of "Home, Sweet Home," above. 

"Be it e'er so humble" or plain. 
Mid whatever pleasures we roam, 

All hearts echo the sweet refrain — 

"Home! There's no place like home!" 



20 



THE JUBILEE YEAR. 

Ring out, sweet chiming joy-bells! 

Sing, merry birds, your lays of glee, 
For this is the gladsome year that tells 

Immaculate Conception's Jubilee. 

Children of Mary! From far and near, 
Now unite in glorious praise, 

Of the Sinless One — our Mother dear, 
In these, her grand carnival days. 

Place on her brow, chaste and fair, 
A crown of diamonds to radiate 

Love's bright rays from everywhere 
For our Queen Immaculate. 

Waft her music soft and sweet, 
Of gratitude, around her shrine 

Gather, and lay the gems at her feet 
Of pure hearts that star-like shine. 

Fifty golden years God blessed! 

May every year bind us closer to thee, 
Sweet Mother, till upon thy breast. 

We find at last eternal— "Jubilee." 



31 



CONSTANCY. 

Hearts that love can never forget, 
Whatever changes time- may send, 

Constancy is the jewel in the coronet — 
''Once a friend — always a friend." 

That is not affection's pure gold. 
Which changes its color bright, 

Nor faith that loosens its hold 
When darkness hides the hght. 

True love is broad, deep and strong, 

Boundless as the blue sky, 
A sweet, changeless, unending song 

Eternal — it will not, cannot die. 



22 



childhood; days. 

I love to ramble, fancy free, 

Through childhood's rosy hours. 

When Ufe an elysium was to me — 
All sunshine with its flowers. 

The skies were always blue, 
No dull clouds somber-hued. 

The beautiful, good and true, 
Was in everything I viewed. 

Happy as the merry birds 
Sweetening the air with songs, 

Rich in smiles and tender words, 
Innocent of cares and wrongs. 

Time went as a fairy dream, 
GHding in a golden boat, 

O'er a silvery, dimpled stream. 
With a child as its flag afloat. 

That banner tho' long unfurled. 
Still gHstens in memory's rays, 

There is naught in all this world J 
So sweet as those halcyon days. 



23 



EASTER. 

There is a charm in the balmy air, 
- All earth with fresh vigor is rife, 
'Tis the gladsome Spring-time fair- 
Dead Nature has arisen to Hfe. 

Alleluia! Chiming joy-bells ringl 
"He is risen— He is not here," 

Alleluia! Birds merrily sing 
With silvery rills soft and clear! 

Alleluia! 'Tis in sunshine bright, 
Flowers sweet and blue skies, 

Heaven's hope — message of delight- 
Arise! dead soul, arise! arise! 



24 



THE ASSUMPTION. 

Open in heaven the golden gate, 
That we may view the glad scene, 

Mary, the sinner's advocate, 

God is crowning Heaven's Queen. 

The hosts of angels near her stand. 
Chanting aloud a sweet refrain. 

Whilst God, with His own Hand, 
Crowns the Virgin without stain. 

Hail Holy Queen! Dear Mother, hail! 

Our hope, our anchor, and our life, 
To thee, we cry from this dark vale 

Of tears, for victory in the strife. 

Thine eyes of mercy now we pray. 
Turn on us — take us to thy breast, 

When we are called by Death away, 
O bear us then to Heaven's rest. 



as 



FAREWELL TO JUNE. 

June, sweet Month of Love Divine, 
Is dying — fast nearing the end, 

But our hearts around it entwine. 
Clinging as to a departing friend. 

The saddest of all words — farewell. 
Trembles on our Ups as it nears, 

Gloom fills the air, and the knell 
Of death is sounding in our ears. 

The inevitable so sad must be met, 
Though it make the heart swell 

With bitter anguish and regret — 
Dear month of Our Love — Farewell! 



26 



MOTHER. 

What a wealth of love sincere 
Is enshrined in that one word! 

Name of all names most dear — 
Sweetest that was ever heard. 

Her love absorbs all other love 
In this beautiful world of ours, 

Her smile, as the sunshine above, 
Turns life's thorns into flowers. 

Guardian of my infant days. 
Shield of my youthful strife. 

The guiding star whose gentle rays 
Illumine my way through life. 

Richest of gifts — my very breath — 
My heart guard, my soul uplift, 

God grant in life and in death, 
I may prove mother's best gift. 



27 



I LOVE YOU. 

I send you some flowers choice, 
Sparkling with diamond dew, 

And bid their beauty rare to voice 
The jeweled words — I love you. 

May their fragrance hnger long 
Around the shrine of affection true, 

And as the echo of a sweet song, 
Bring back the music — I love you. 



28 



THE HOLLY WREATH. 

Twine a wreath of holly bright, 

To crown with its crimson and green, 

The maiden fair who bore the Light 
Of the World — our Christmas Queen. 

Without her, the Bethlehem story 
Of ^he stable with its Baby Sweet, 

Would never ring out in peals of glory — 
No Christmas could we greet. 

Good wiUing tokens for one another, — 
For this glad day are set apart. 

And the gift from His Virgin Mother, — 
Is the Christ Child — our Sacred Heart. 

O, twine the holly wreath of love. 
To crown with its crimson and green, 

The sweetest Maid in the realms above — 
God's Mother — our Christmas Queen. 



29 



GOOD-BYE! 

Good-bye, dear friend — adieu! 
U' God bless you, I fondly pray, 
My heart will ever be with you, 
Though I am going far away. 

Twins are we in soul and heart, 

Love's golden links are joined forever, 

And though dearest friends must part. 
Our kindred hearts, Fate cannot sever. 



30 



FAITH. 

It is a stormy Winter's night, 
And I am sailing on a stream, 

All is darkness — no star-light, 
No ray of moon or beacon gleam. 

I hear the fierce wind wildly blow, 
And the loud thunder's awful crash 

I see the clouds now thicker grow 
In the hghtning's vivid flash. 

All is terror, yet I fear no snare, 
My Httle bark is tempest-tossed. 

But trusting in God's loving care, 
I know that I shall not be lost. 

Tho' troubled, I feel free from harm, 
Faith stronger than the storm's stress, 

Assures me that my Father's strong arm 
Ever holds me in His fond caress. 



31 



SAINT JOSEPH. 

Saint Joseph! Heaven's fair choice, 
Guardian of the richest treasure, 

Didst thy loving heart not rejoice, 
When so honored beyond measure? 

Protector of th- Virgin most mild, 
Pilot on hfe s sea, dark and dreary, 

Foster-father of her Sweet Child — 
Ah! dear Saint, wast ever weary? 

Be our patron, dear, holy Saint, 
Strengthen all our weak endeavor, 

To so Uve here without complaint, 
As to merit heaven forever. 



3« 



SWEETEST ROSES. 

Golden October, bright and fair, 

With smihng sky so blue, 
Holds enchantment ever}'\\'here, 

Like the beautiful, good and true. 

Tho' Summer's flowers are djdng, 
And the leaves all red and gold, 

O'er the bare ground are lying, 
The sweetest roses we hold 

'Tis Rosary's carnival days. 

Of loveliness rarely seen, 
All Nature joins us in praise, 

As we crown our Mother Queen. 

Gathered around her dear shrine, 
With our beads — love's flowers, 

A "crown of roses" for her we twine, 
That links her heart with ours. 



33 



I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU. 

Do not forget me, dearest, you ask, — 
As if I could forget — to think ever 

Of my sweet friend is a pleasant task — 
I'll never forget you, darling — never. 

In weal or woe, whate'er may betide, 
Our linked hearts, Time cannot sever, 

Whether far away or at my side — 
I'll never forget you, darling — never. 

In love's fragrance pure and sweet, 
Your image is enshrined forever. 

While my heart with life shall beat — 
I'll never forget you, darling — never. 



34 



CHRISTMAS. 

It was night — a cold, December night, 
More than nineteen centuries ago, 

In midnight's mystic calm, the Light 
Of Divine Love set all the world aglow. 

Sweet music charmed the listening ear, 

"Gloria in excelsis" — glad tidings we bring, 

And shepherds saw a star appear 
That led unto the newly-born King. 

"Peace on earth" — the angel choir sang. 
While in a dark stable, cold and bare, 

The sweet echo from heaven rang, 
For Jesus — our God, was bom there. 

O wondrous force of that holy night. 
Cause of all our Christmas cheer, 

The great God of majesty and might. 
For love of us became an Infant here. 

Sweet Babe of Bethlehem! I adore! 

Let nothing ever our union sever. 
My heart to love Thee more and more, 

I give Thee — keep it in Thine for^ever. 



35 



FORGIVE AND FORGET. 

'Tis hard, ah! yes, so hard, to hve 
In affection with hearts untrue, 

And harder still it is to forgive 
Cheerfully those who hurt you. 

'Tis hard to bear the cruel wrong — 
To drink Injury's bitter cup — 

And then sing on the grand, sweet song 
Of love, but 'tis God-like — look up! 

O, rise above this sordid earth. 
Your heart to heaven's music set, 

To prove your own soul's worth, 
Bravely forgive and then — forget! 



36 



THE AWAKENING. 

It was so beautiful yesterday— 
The sky was cloudless and bright, 

The world so fair with music gay, 
Life seemed an elysium of dehght. 

But to-day, a change is o'er me. 
It is so gloomy nothing can redeem 

My heart's joy— what can the matter be, 
Was yesterday only a sweet dream? 

My ideal, lofty and grand, has failed 
To reach my standard high to-day, 

My view of the beautiful is unveiled, 
And— alas 1 my idol is but clay. 

The awakening gives sharp pain. 
But opening my tear-dimmed eyes, 

I see the fancied loss is rather gain— 
And a rich blessing in disguise. 

'Tis a lesson heaven-sent in time 
To teach this leaning heart of mine; 

No earthly ideal however sublime, 
Can satisfy— God only is Divine. 

Make the Sacred Heart your ideal. 
He alone can fill the yearning heart; 

Love Him with a love strong and real- 
Trust Him and be His counterpart. 



37 



MY ROSE. 

To Miss Rose Conley. 

As I mused in the soft gloaming, 
Watching the pretty clouds so white, 

O'er the blue heavens roaming, 
I was lost in a reverie of delight. 

A beautiful flower— a white rose— 
Fell into my hands as if by chance. 

To break the cahn of Thought's repose, 
And the charming view enhance. 

I gazed with admiration rare 
Long upon its beauteous perfection, 

1 hen placed it o'er my heart where 
It is ever wafting sweetness— affection. 



38 



THE EVENING STAR. 

I was sailing on a beautiful stream, 
Watching the silvery waters purl along, 

Glistening in the sunlight's golden gleam, 
And murmuring the music of a sweet song. 

It was a charming October day, 

Rich in thoughts of the Rosary dear; 

No sound save ripple of the water's play 
Was heard, and not a soul was near. 

I Ungered long o'er the pretty scene, 
Completely lost in reverie sweet. 

Basking in the smile of our Rosary Queen — 
I seemed to be kneeUng at her feet. 

Day waning, beauty faded from sight. 
My heart felt lonely, sad and weary, 

Fearing the darkness of coming night 
Would render my sail bleak and dreary. 

But turning my eyes upward — afar, 

I saw the darkened autumn sky aglow, 

For suddenly the bright Evening Star 
Shone and illumined the waters below. 

Thus, when on the evening of Hfe's day, 
We fear that Death's night may mar 

The beauty of the stream's rippling play, 
Look up to Mary — our Evening Star. 



39 



KINDNESS. 

Kindness, as a rose among thorns, 

Breathes fragrance sweet, 
Richest gift to the heart it adorns, 

ReveaHng heaven's beauty replete. 

It soothes with magic's charm, 
The aching brow and stinging smart, 

Strongly holds up the weakened arm. 
And gently lifts the drooping heart. 

The very echo of God's vast love, 
Sweetening life's dreary place, 

Brightening it as the sun above — 
The smile of angels is on its face. 



40 



MY CONFESSOR. 

Pilot of my soul! With heavenly Ught, 
Guiding me o'er Ufe's stormy sea, 

Beacon in the sin-darkened night, 
Leading me to the port of Eternity. 

Golden Unk from God's own Heart, 

Binding me closer to Virtue and Heaven, 

Jewel sparkUng in life's '^better part"— 
Precious treasure to me God-given 

Reverend friend, ever truer and dearer, 
Leading me gently with a father's hand; 

Higher, still higher— to God ever nearer, 
Over sin's desert to the ^'Promised Land." 

God bless my Confessor with joys sweet 
Of life, and when from it, he must part, 

Grant that "Father" and "Child" may meet 
In realms of love eternal— the Sacred Heart. 



41 



STRANDED. 

A pretty white ship set sail 
On the broad surging sea, 

Freighted with gold though frail, 
it bounded on guileless and free. 

Manfully breasting every gale 
To reach Ambition's port afar, 

It brayed strongest forts to scale 
In the light of Faith's bright star. 

But ghding along to the shore. 
About to be anchored— landed, 

It struck a fierce storm that tore 
Its mast and— alas! stranded 



42 



THE EASTER LILY. 

Good Friday's gloom has passed, 
No longer droop in sadness, 

Easter's sun in splendor at last, 
Shines and all creation is gladness. 

Alleluias are loudly resounding 
O'er the world bright and serene, 

And hearts with true love abounding 
Are greeting the Easter Lily — Queen. 

We have twined the chaste Hly bell 
With roses sweet and smilax green. 

Crown of beauty and fragrance toTtell 
Our love for the Easter Lily — Queen. 

Look up! Sweet Mother, now rejoice I 
"He is risen" — His glory is seen, 

Heaven and earth in gladdest voice, 
Proclaim the Easter Lily — Queen. 



43 



LOVE. 

Love is a jewel of priceless worth, 
SparkHng with rays of beauty rare, 

The richest boon to man on earth— ' 
Precious treasure beyond compare. 

Golden bond in this hfe of ours, 
Linking hearts here to souls above; 

Sweeter than music, purer than flowers,— 
Ah! "Love is God, and God is Love." 

To know its worth and feel the might 
Of this sweet gift from heaven. 

We must ever wear the jewel bright, 
Like Him Whose life for it was given. 



44 



THE VANQUISHED. 

Great and glorious is the lofty aim, 
Tho' songs of triumph may not greet 

The efforts grand in the rare game 
Of noble work, there is no defeat. 

The motive in the crusade of Right, 
Waves high the banner of applause, 

Subhme is the hard, brave fight. 
And even if failure, 'tis no "lost cause." 

Success is not the only or highest test 
Of merit — to calmly smile on God's will. 

And still press on doing one's best. 

Is truq worth — touchstone to higher still. 

"Hard fought failure is a noble thing," 
Although Fate may darkly frown. 

Angels in heaven your praises sing. 

And there you'll wear the victor's crown. 



45 



HIS HOLINESS IS DYING. 
Pope Leo XIII . 

The heavens are shrouded in gloom, 
The wind is mournfully sighing, 

And the earth seems one vast tomb — 
His Holiness, our King, is dying. 

The flowers sweet are in mourning, 
The birds are not singing or flying, 

All the world in anguish is groaning — 
His Hohness, our Father, is dying. 

In the darkness, there is not a ray 
Of light— our hearts are all crying 

"My Father, let this chalice pass away—" 
His Holiness, our Beloved, is dying. 



46 



STAR OF BETHLEHEM. 

Through darkness flashed a star 
Of beauty and brilHance rare, 

While sweetest music from afar, 
Broke the hush of midnight air. 

Heaven's glad herald — angel bright, 
Announced "A Saviour born," 

To shepherds on watch for the night. 
Who greeted the first Christmas morn. 

Thro' gloom of sin-darkened earth, 
Flashes ever the brilliant Love-Light 

Of the sweet Christ-Child's birth. 
Which illumined that long ago night. 

Star of Bethlehem! O, beautiful Light! 

Guide me o'er Hfe's darksome way. 
Lead me with Thy clear, shining Hght, 

Over Death's night to eternal happy day. 



47 



OUR ROSARY QUEEN. 

Golden October's blue sky is aglow 
With rare beauty, bright and serene, 

And flowers fair deck altars below, 
In the Month of our Rosary Queen. 

We gather around her dear shrine 

With sweet heart — flowers — our beads, 

That she who holds the Child Divine, 
May succor us in all our needs. 

Rosary Queen! Dear Mother niinel 
Take my heart with flowers sweet, 

Hold me close — keep me ever thine 
Till safe in thy home we meet. 



48 



SPEAK KINDLY. 

The little gentle, tender word, 
Said in accents soft and low, 

[s sweetest music ever heard — 
'Twill heal the hardest blow. 

Hearts all bruised and bleeding 
In this world of care and wrong, 

For the music are ever pleading — 
Speak kindly as you go along. 

It scatters flowers o'er the road, 
Soothing to sore, weary feet, 

And lightens the heaviest load — 
The kindly tone is sweet. 

It brings sunshine to the skies 
When all is dark and drear. 

And dries the tears of weeping eyes — 
Speak kindly — 'Tis heaven here! 



49 



SACRED HEART LILY. 

Tall and slender — flower frail, 
With blue eyes and golden curl, 

The thoughtful face bright and pale, 
Reflects the soul of this sweet girl. 

Her gentle heart — love's golden mine, 
Like the sun shining bright rays 

On all around, to God — Love Divine, 
Is consecrated now all her days. 

To honor Him, she gladly gives 

Of her young Mfe the ''better part," 

Fair bride of Heaven, she hves 
A lily sweet of the Sacred Heart. 



SQ 



DO THEY MISS ME? 

Do they miss me, I often wonder, 
In the place where I lived so long. 

Or has distance rent asunder. 
The ties that love made so strong? 

Is my name no longer heard, 
From lips I have fondly kissed, 

Or is there now no tender word 

For me — not one to say I am missed? 

To every one I was always kind. 
Do they, can they so soon forget? 

Is it really "out of sight, out of mind," 
Or is my long absence their regret? 

O, do they miss me? In dreams. 
Do bright memories of me blend 

With their thoughts golden gleams. 
And Hnk my name with — friend? 



51 



RESCUED. 

Sick and faint for many weeks, 
Imprisoned in my quiet room, 

With pale and sunken cheeks, 
Bereft of health's bright bloom. 

Slowly passed the dreary days, 
Struggling with ebbing breath, 

Sinking were the last hngering rays 
Of hope in the dark shades of death. 

But a change steals o'er me now, 
And a rift is in the clouds of gloom, 

The kiss of prayer upon my brow, 
Saved — rescued me from the tomb. 



52 



OUR DEAD. 

Where are the dead, where are the dead, 
The dear, kind friends who loved us so? 

Where have they gone, whither sped. 
Who will tell us, who can let us know? 

In vain do we search all about. 
Straining our weeping eyes to see; 

We call aloud within and without. 

They do not hear — where can they be? 

For ''a sound of the voice that is stilled," 
And "a touch of the vanished hand," 

We sigh — can the void ever be filled — 
Do they love us yet or understand? 

Prayer is the only solace given 
When Death rends loved ones apart. 

It soothes like music from heaven. 
And holds our Dead aHve in the heart. 



S3 



SUMMER. 

Morning's sunlight gilds the trees, 
And diamond dew ghstens o'er fields, 

While perfume scents the balmy breeze,' 
From flowers sweet Summer yields. 

Rippling rills laugh as they glide along, 
Reflecting the cloudless blue sky. 

And join the merry birds in song, 
As around and above us they fly. 

Evening's calm we love to greet 
In the soft, mellow light of the moon, 

And our hearts sing Summer's sweet, 
But its music is hushed too soon. 



54 



HOPE'S STAR. 

The sky is dark, the way is long, 
As onward we struggle and grope, 

Through the busy world's dense throng, 
To find our high ideal's scope. 

No note of Sympathy's sweet song, 
Falls gently on our listening ears, 

Nor kindred soul, as we plod along, 
Offers to calm our surging fears. 

Tho' cold the air, and dark the night, 
FHnch not! Just look up! Afar, — 

Beyond the clouds a bright light 
Shines — Hope's luminous star. 

Rough tho' the road, and long the way, 
Faint not! But bravely press on! 

Perseverance must carry the day — 
The goal in Hope's Star-light is won. 



55 



/ OUR LADY'S BIRTHDAY. 

With flowers bright and sweet, 
Bearing fragrance as love's kiss, 

I seek, on your natal day, to greet 
You with "many returns" of the bliss. 

/ They tell of the beauty of your mind, 

/ And the sweetness you impart. 

While pleading that every birthday bind 
Me closer and closer to your heart. 

May every soul. Sweet Lady, enfold 
You ever in hearts of tenderness. 

And may you always fondly hold 
Me in a Mother's sweet caress. 



50 



HOME IS WHERE MOTHER IS. 

Home, it has been said, is where 
The heart is, and the truth, we aver, 

For wherever we go, if mother be there, 
It is home, for our heart is in her. 

When among strangers we roam. 
Far away from our native land. 

No matter how distant, 'tis home. 
If only we hold mother's hand. 

Though yearning with sadness. 

For the smiles of dear ones we miss, 

We always share home's gladness, 
In the sweetness of mother's kiss. 

In all life's journeying along. 
Whatever fate the years betide. 

Should the whole world go wrong, 
God grant us mother at our side. 



57 



^ CONFIDENCE. 

Many years have silently passed, 
And long miles between us lie', 

But my faith in you is steadfast, ' 
Immortal — can never, never die. 

/ Tho' no loving word from you. 

Should ever greet mine ears, 
I know that my darling is true- 
Trust spans miles and years. 

The tests of Time only bring 

Strength to the heart from above- 
Confidence is the golden ring 
That holds the diamond— love. 



58 



BE KIND. 

Would you disperse clouds dark, 
With which life's sky is hned, 

And help each struggling bark 
To smoother saiHng? — Be kind! 

Would you remove thorns sharp, 
Which in rugged paths you find, 

And strike music on Eden's harp. 
In discordant hearts? — Be kind! 

Would you lift the drooping head. 
The bleeding heart- wounds bind, 

And restore new hfe to dead 

Hopes long entombed? — Be kind! 

Would you erring souls redeem. 
Bring sunshine to clouded mind, 

And have your life brightly beam 
With Divine beauty? — Be kind! 



59 



ALFONSO. 

A baby nephew — infant sweet — 
In all his charming loveHness, 

Has come like flowers that greet 
Us in fragrant gentleness. 

Into his face so pure and fair, 
I love to gaze for there I trace 

Pure innocence without compare — 
God's image in our baby's face. 

Treasure rich — a precious boon — 
May Heaven through Hfe endow 

Our baby-boy — sweet bud of June— 
Your soul with innocence as now. 



60 



MY QUEEN OF MAY. 

Birds from out the leafy bowers, 
Are carolling their merry lays, 

Earth is decked with flowers, 
And the sun shines bright rays. 

'Tis May, Sweet Mother mine. 
My heart to thee I fondly raise, 

The charm of this month is thine — 
Nature is vocal with thy praise. 

Crown of roses sweet is twined 
For thy virginal brow, my Queen 

Of May — my heart to thine, bind — 
My love for thee, keep ever green. 

This rose-crown, Mother mild, 
Take, and with it, my poor heart, 

Keep me always thy devoted child, 
Hold me close — from me ne'er part. 



6i 



THE HOLY NAME. 

Jesus! Name of all names most dear, 
On earth or in the realms above, 

Sweetest music of our souls here — 
Bond and seal of our dearest love. 

Life of faith and trust subhme, 
Jeweled hope's divinest ray, 

Source of charity in fleeting Time — 
Glory of Eternity's endless day. 



62 



"HOME AGAIN!" 

I sweetly dreamed the other night, 
I was safe at home once more, 

Revelling in glad sunshine bright 
Of my dear, old native shore. 

Returned from a distant land, 
With the golden lustre of fame, 

Shedding, as with magic hand, 
Glory's halo around my name. 

I found old home just the same 
As when I left it years ago, 

And the dear loved ones came 
To greet with welcome's glow. 

The kind friends pressed so near 
Me were sweeter than of old- 
Absence made us more dear. 
And proved us "true as gold." 

Fame, however great, never sends 
A thrill thro' the hearts of men 

Like the joy of meeting old friends 
In love's Eden — ''Home again!" 



63 



INNOCENCE. 

Frail flower, fairest that grows, 
Rivalling the sun's brightness, 

Spotless as winter's chaste snows 
FalHng in soft, fleecy whiteness 

Fragrant as the breath of love 
Wafting loveliness o'er earth, 

And incense to the realms above- 
Priceless gift of heavenly birth. 



64 



SORROW. 

Of alternate sunshine and shade — 
Light laughter and heavy sighs — 

This fleeting Kfe of ours is made, 
Like the changing, far-off skies. 

The tints of darkness that run 
O'er the grand scenery one sees, 

Enhance the brightness of the sun 
Peeping through tall, leafy trees. 

Shadows flitting across days. 
As the lowering clouds above. 

Make more brilliant the rays 
Of our heart's sunlight — love. 

Sorrow is Hfe's shading Hne, 
The imprint of God's sweet kiss 

On our trembling lips — true sign 
Of His best love — Heaven's bb'ss. 



6« 



NOVEMBER. 

Gone are October's golden days, 
Bright verdure away has sped; 

The sky is gray, the sun's rays 
Are dim — all Nature is dead. 

The Httle birds a requiem chmt, 
And a dirge the chill wind plays, 

Our hearts "requiescant in pace" pant, 
For 'tis All Souls' memorial days. 

Death's heavy gloom is everywhere. 
With all our pleasures it blends, 

"Have pity on me" fills the sighing air — 
"Have pity, at least you my friends!" 



66 



ALONE. 

Quietly through the world's busy mart, 
I am traveUing onward all alone, 

Eager only to do well my part. 
Yet wondering for what I atone. 

Not an orphan without a mother's 

Sweet kiss and fond caress, 
Nor even a strong, good brother's 

Name my hfe to aid and bless. 

But alone, I am do med to go 

Like one in a foreign land 
With no feeling in common — no 

Reponsive clasp of the hand. 

A father's love lost ere it was known. 
So filled my child-heart with bliss. 

That without it, I am all alone — 
No other can give his sweet kiss. 

There's companionship in flowers, 
That greet with fragrance sweet. 

And kindness in the gentle showers, 
Which now and then I love to meet. 

The star-lit sky charms me at night, 
That silvery rill with music choice. 

Entertains me in the bright sunlight — 
All Nature speaks in friendly voice. 

Alone! Amid this grandeur, behold! 

For what, I wonder, do I atone 
By this isolation drear and cold ? 

In nfe*s vast crowd, yet — Alone 



67 



FORGET-ME-NOT. 

In your heart's garden fair, 
Plant in the sunniest spot, 

This Uttle flower bright and rare. 
For me — the dear Forget-me-not. 

Keep it fresh and ever in bloom. 
To brighten my memory's lot, 

Then hfe will hold love's perfume, 
Sweet in your — Forget-me-not. 



68 



SEPARATION. 

Fate decrees that many miles divide 
Our homes, and hide you from view, 

But in my heart of hearts you abide 
Dearer now than when near you. 

In the beautiful stars of midnight, 
Shines the reflection of your eyes. 

Illumining with briUiant love-hght 
The darkness of the distant skies. 

Your gentle voice, hke music sweet, 
Is ever playing on my eager ears. 

And the soft tread of your coming feet, 
Is always sounding very near. 

Absence holds us ever in embrace. 
Closer presses our Hps in kiss. 

Lends enchantment to your face. 
And adds nectar to Faith's bliss. 

Affection, the strong, golden band 
That Knks hearts in every nation. 

Defies distance and time — in the land 
Of hearts — there is no separation. 



69 



GETHSEMANE. 

A heavy cloud, black as midnight, 
O'ercasts my heart's sky to-day, 

Robbing it of the bright sunlight 
Of joy that gilded my pathway. 

In the awful gloom there's no ray 
To cheer — in agony trembhng I sigh, 

"My Father, let this chaUce pass away," 
'Tis so hard — O, hear my cry I 

Thy holy will, O, God, not mine! 

Tho' crushed, I die from grief; 
My bleeding heart clasps Thine, 

In sympathy sweet for reUef. 



70 



HAPPINESS. 

A precious jewel of value rich, 
Is hidden in life in every land, 

All are searching for the gem which 
They know not is in their hand. 

We seek it in various ways, 

High and low, according to taste, 

Are spending nights and days 

Looking for it, but oft time waste. 

The golden key to the treasure grand, 
Is in the heart — self-denial and love 

Hold the jewel at our command. 
Here and in the world of bliss above. 

Bring sunshine to darkened hearts 
Sin-bound captive sons redeem, 
Ee true, kindness ever impart — 
And we have — happiness supreme. 



71 



FORGIVE ME. 

I am sorry I hurt you to-day, 

With harsh words in cross mood, 

Come, let me kiss the pain away — 
Forgive me, darHng, I was rude. 

I did not mean to be unkind — 
To stab with sharp ingratitude, 

Let my kiss the heart-wound bind- 
Forgive me, darhng, I was rude. 



72 



SACRIFICED. 

On a balmy spring morning bright, 
I launched a pretty httle bark, 

To spread Faith's briUiant light 
O'er regions cold and dark. 

It bounded on the ocean wide. 

Waving the golden banner of Truth, 

And feared naught from the tide — 
Innocent in its guileless youth. 

At the helm I cheerfully stood. 

Through deep, surging waters to plod. 

Thinking only of doing others good, 
Happy in the love of my Pilot— God. 

On and on, it smoothly sailed. 
Dancing o'er wild waves merrily, 

Strongest forts it quietly scaled, 
Joyous, buoyant and free. 

But a sudden adverse gale, 

Arose in wildest fierceness, 
And my Httle boat so frail. 

Went down in the awful stress. 

It was purchased at great cost. 
And so dear to me — my idoHzed; 

Yet, alas! it is sunk, and all is lost. 
Wrecked! Ruined! — I'm sacrificed! 

My God! Why hast forsaken me so? 

Heart-sick, weary, tempest-tossed, 
Behold all, everything gone— but no, 

Faith is left— take now the holocaust. 



73 



''SWEET," 

I have a little friend very dear, 
He cheers me and loves to greet 

With music sweet my coming near 

He 's so gentle, I call him— ''Sweet 

''Sweet" has a nice httle house 
And has notes are ever heard 

Though he is no larger than a mouse- 
You see, this friend is my bird. 

Dear little "Sweet," warbling songs 
Of loving cheer, your sunshine 

Banished the gloom of cruel wrongs. 
And lifts me to the Friend Divine.' 



74 



THE HERO. 

Grand and great is the man brave, 
Who boldly faces battles' strife, 

His dear Country's honor to save, 
At the peril of his own life. 

His courage in meeting the foe, 
Amid shot and shell and fire. 

Loudly proclaims him a hero 
For all the world to admire. 

But greater far — supremely grand 
Is the noble man who would 

In Virtue's army take his stand 
And combat himself to be good. 

Give the laurel wreath of renown 
To the soldier who dares to battle go 

But fame eternal with jeweled crown 
To the victor of self — greatest hero. 



75 



LOST! 

Lost! A bright jewel very rare, 
Precious, priceless — above all cost, 

No gem with it can in value compan 
Has slipped away — alas! is lost. 

It was a love-gift at our birth, 
To make us strong and grand. 

Yet unconscious of its mighty worth. 
We held it carelessly in open hand. 

Now, it is lost — that jewel sublime, 
Precious, priceless — above all cost 

And never can be found, for Time 
Lost is gone, gone — forever lost! 



76 



IN MEMORIAM. 
Dr. H.D.A, 

Young and gifted — his mind as bright, 

As the radiant morning sun, 
Illumined with its brilliant light, 

A promising career just begun. 

Kind and gentle, — his heart in tune 
With heaven's music of fraternal love 

Wafted fragrance as flowers in June, 
And won a crown in the realms above. 

A beautiful song is left unsung. 

But its sweetness lingers on our ear — 

''Whom the gods love most die young" — 
And holds the singer to memorj' dear. 




77 



DIVINE SWEETNESS. 

Love bestowed in fullest measure, 
Is the acme of human sweetness, 

Prized as our richest treasure — 
It bears Eden's joy in repleteness. 

Hearts true throb responsive beats, 

And delight to make manifestation 
Of the due appreciation that metes 
j *Xove for love" — its only compensation. 

There is One Who for us daily dies — 

''Greater love in all completeness, 
No one hath" — to dwell in disguise 
/ With us — Jesus, Divine Sweetness! 



78 



THANKSGIVING DAY. 

Around Patriotism's holy shrine, 
We gather with loyal hearts to-day, 

And give hearty thanks to Love Divine, 
In one grand chorus — paean gay. 

For the wondrous star of progress 
Shining o'er our Country's mart, 

We give thanks — but O, God! bless 
It with greater kindness of heart. 

We give thanks for life — its every day,. 
Whether dark with Sorrow's blast. 

Or bright with Joy's golden ray, 
And for more love, pray to the last. 



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IF YOU LOVE ME. 

There is in this Hfe no such thing 
As love without expression — no; 

To my heart the sweet music sing- 
If you love me, tell me so. 

God's love would not be ours, 
If it He did not daily show; 

Give me these bright flowers — 
If you love me, tell me so. 

Hide not your heart away 
Until from you, I must go; 

Bring me the sunshine to-day — 
If you love me, tell me so. 



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TRUTH. 

Rare loveliness like beauty divine, 
Graces the bright face of Truth, 

Illumining it as the sunshine — 
Charming as rose-tinted youth. 

Priceless jewel — the gift most dear 
In life, as through it we must plod, 

Heaven is in the heart sincere, 

For Truth is the very echo of God. 

Traitor who once deceives you, 

Judas-like his part plays; 
False to himself, to no one true, 

Even his God, he basely betrays! 



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A WHISPERED THOUGHT. 

I see a rare and luminous star 

Shining clearly o'er the noble aim, 

Its heavenly radiance from afar, 
Illumining the sky whence it came. 

The worthy motive — the lofty end, 
Is the star bright from the start, 

And whatever fate may attend. 
It shines on forever in the heart. 



82 



ADVERSITY. 

No star-jewels begemming the skies, 
Nor moon with silvery Hght, 

Would ever greet our straining eyes, 
But for the darkness of night. 

The sun shines with brightest glow — 
After the storm's wildest blast, 

And the fair beauteous rainbow 
Comes not till tempest is past. 

Adversity is life's dark night, 
Revealing hidden gems of soul, 

Clouds breaking into sunHght — 
Rainbow spanning the goal. 



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ONE FAMILIAR FACE. 

Last night I was in a great throng, 
So dense there was no space, 

Youth, music, flowers and song 
Made a scene of charming grace. 

It was glad Commxencement night 
In famed St. Xavier's College hall, 

BriUiant in the flood of electric hght 
Every one was easily viewed by all. 

So many faces, yet all so strange. 

All smiling in happy glee. 
Enjoyed friendship's glad exchange, 

But only one there knew me. 

One who from Old Virginia came 
To cast the lustre of his knowledge 

O'er dear Louisville's fair name — 
The Director of St. Xavier's CoUege. 

In all the charm around the place. 
Amid jewels of intellect flashing bright. 

That one, kind, familiar face 

Shone as the diamond of the night. 



84 



IN MEMORIAM. 
M. R. K. 

A whole year has passed away, 
Darhng, since last we saw you, 

Yet, it seems to us but yesterday — 
Memory holds you ever in view. 

Distance enchantment lends 
To the music we love to hear, 

While absence the stronger blends 
Our souls and holds you near. 

'Twas au revoir — not farewell. 
For we hoped sometime to meet, 

Tho' our hearts with sorrow swell. 
Love's bitter is lost in its sweet. 



8e 



REMEMBER ME. 

When I am roaming far away, 
And others press around thee, 

Throughout the long, quiet day, 
Sweet Love, remember me. 

In the morning bright and sweet, 
When my face thou dost not see, 

Where so often we used to meet. 
Sweet Love, remember me. 

At noon-tide's sunny hours. 
When from duty fancy-free. 

Thou rovest among the flowers, 
Sweet Love, remember me. 

In the calm of evening fair. 
When moonhght softly gleams. 

Link my name with thine in prayer, 
And remember me in thv dreams. 



86 



ASPIRATION. 

There is a yearning in my breast, 
Intense in all-absorbing zeal, 

Ever— eternally, without any rest, 
Urging me to grasp my ideal. 

It fills my soul day and night. 
With the vision grand and real, 

Afar in the heavens a beautiful light, 
Star bright for others— their ideal. 



87 



JUNE ROSES. 

Love is life's motive-power — 

Its very air and sunshine, 
Human hearts' richest dower, 

Echo of the Heart Divine. 

"Child, thy heart to Me give, 

I died to leave thee Mine; 
With thee, I delight to Hve, 

Come to Me — I am thine." 

Affection for one another, 
Answers this tender appeal, 

Forgiving an erring brother. 
Proves us sincere — real. 

O, cultivate June Roses — love, 
Their fragrance to all impart. 

They bloom for aye in realms above — 
Sweetest gift to the Sacred Heart. 



I 



APPRECIATION. 

I do not wish a gift in return 
For the jeweled kindness I do, 

But O, my heart does yearn 
To know that it pleases you. 

Just sweetly tell me, dearest, how 
Much love the Httle act has won- 

Only say — whisper it softly now- 
God bless youl ''Well done!" 



89 



L'ENVOI. 

Dear little heart-messenger mine, 
Go! Your way quietly wing 

Thro' the book-world of sunshine, 
And choice songs sweetly sing! 

You will not thrill with notes of fame, 
But if you only the sweetness impart 

That lurks in your simple name. 
You will win the love of every heart. 

Go! Little book, and gently bring 
Out the beautiful, good and true, 

In all the lyrics you shall sing — 
That is the bright mission for you. 



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